Chapter 20: A Hunter’s Suspicion

Though they had never met, Lu Chen frequently heard Lin Wan’s complaints about Lily of the Valley, the magical girl.

She steadfastly refused to participate in any team-building activities, declined all interviews, and rejected every suggestion offered by her supervisors.

Her sole reason for collaborating with the New Light Group was to gain unrestricted access to their armory and database.

Furthermore, this individual often strolled through the streets, brazenly carrying vast amounts of weaponry, seemingly oblivious to onlookers.

Instances of her using violence against civilians were not uncommon, leading to a blizzard of complaints each month, effectively rendering her commercial value a complete negative.

Despite this, the Group found themselves unable to terminate her contract.

The reason behind this peculiar arrangement was straightforward.

This young woman would accept any commission to obstruct or hunt down ‘monsters’ without a single complaint, completing each task with remarkable efficiency.

She was even available 24/7, ready to be called upon at a moment’s notice.

During the year of Xia Shi’s disappearance, Lily of the Valley single-handedly and ceaselessly handled over 80% of the monster attacks in Linshi City.

It was only recently, after collapsing from overwork and being admitted to the hospital, that she was forced to take a mere few dozen hours of rest.

Such a formidable individual… intended to seek trouble with Xia Shi? But why?

Lu Chen’s vigilance sharpened, and he momentarily suppressed the unease churning within him.

Gazing at the girl before him, armed to the teeth, he carefully chose his words.

“Forgive me, but I don’t quite understand your meaning.

You are supposed to be Xia Shi’s next partner, aren’t you? Why would you want to fight her?”

Lily of the Valley fixed her gaze on Lu Chen, her distinct black-and-white eyes sharp and vacant, like those of a machine.

“Yes, that was the original intention.

However, after reviewing her background information last night, I have changed my mind.”

The girl took a step closer to Lu Chen, the weaponry on her back emanating the scent of fire and iron.

“This might be somewhat presumptuous, but I will get straight to the point.

I suspect the real Xia Shi has been replaced, and her identity usurped by a monster.”

Lily of the Valley’s tone was chillingly cold, and the memory of that day in the warehouse surged into Lu Chen’s mind once more, like a nightmare.

His face paled, but he forced himself to remain calm as he inquired.

“What is your reasoning?”

“Experience and intuition.

Monsters of the ‘Envy’ faction are particularly fond of usurping others’ identities to wreak havoc; I’ve handled numerous such cases.

Their customary method involves seeking out missing individuals with sparse social connections yet holding crucial positions, then disguising themselves to infiltrate facilities inaccessible to other monsters, and extracting information otherwise unobtainable.

Miss Xia Shi had a very poor relationship with her adoptive father, almost no contact, yet she was a highly trusted magical girl.

Furthermore, although she was previously presumed dead, her actual moment of death was never witnessed, meaning there was always a certain probability of her survival.

Considering all this, and with no offense intended, she represents a perfect target for a monster’s impersonation.”

Lily of the Valley articulated her points clearly and methodically, like a seasoned hunter closing in on its prey.

Lu Chen analyzed her reasoning, then countered.

“I don’t believe it’s that perfect.

Xia Shi is a powerful magical girl, and upon her return, she demonstrated her complete transformed state and abilities.

Replicating that would be exceedingly difficult.”

“You are entirely correct.

Therefore, if a monster truly possesses the ability to mimic her, it would be an extremely dangerous entity that must be dealt with immediately, without further delay.”

“Ultimately, everything you’ve said is mere speculation.

Moreover, Miss Morning Star has already met with Xia Shi and verified her identity, finding no issues.”

Upon hearing the name ‘Morning Star,’ Lily of the Valley’s expression shifted for the first time.

She frowned, much like an Italian might upon seeing pineapple pizza.

“With all due respect, while that person is indeed powerful, her methods are far too lax, making it not difficult to deceive her.

More than her opinion, I value the perspective of you, her lover.

What do you think? Is the person who now claims to be Xia Shi truly the same as the one you remember?

She has been back for several weeks now.

During this time, have you noticed any inconsistencies, or harbored any suspicions about subtle clues?”

Of course not!

‘—Lu Chen had intended to blurt out as much, but the words caught in his throat.’

Though he loathed to admit it, though the mere thought sent shivers through him, seizing him with nausea, regret, and dread… he couldn’t deny that he, too, had harbored suspicions about the girl beside him.

Lily of the Valley caught his hesitation.

She softened her tone slightly, then spoke.

“Fear is normal, and disbelief is normal; I understand.

However, even setting aside the harm to society, you cannot evade this.

You must relentlessly pursue the truth.

Only then can you truly be responsible to the deceased.”

Lu Chen tightened his grip on the bag’s string, the cake inside emanating a soft, sweet fragrance.

Recalling the morning’s events, he was reluctant to doubt Xia Shi again, fearing he might make her weep once more.

Yet, the memory of their shared promise prevented him from ignoring the doubts that festered within him.

Lily of the Valley’s professional capabilities were beyond question; her combat experience alone likely surpassed even that of Xia Shi and Morning Star.

Simply hearing her out, surely there would be no harm?

Lu Chen steeled his resolve and finally asked.

“So, how do you intend to confirm that Xia Shi hasn’t been replaced?”

Lily of the Valley slightly raised her head, the firearms on her back clattering together with a harsh, sharp sound.

“I will lure her to my garden.”

“Your garden?”

Lily of the Valley tilted her head, idly fiddling with her earring.

Emerald-green magic transformed into a vine, dangling from her pristine earlobe, then winding down her shoulder and climbing into her palm.

She narrowed her eyes, staring at the vine, as sharp and dangerous magic, like blades and bullets, radiated from her form.

However, this magic did not dissipate; instead, it swirled towards the vine, converging and vanishing into its form.

“My unique magic is called ‘Verdant Grace,’ and it allows me to generate various plants with special properties—including these vines that can absorb and suppress magic.

I collaborated with interested sorcerers to construct a garden using them.

Within that space, spellcasters will have their magic indiscriminately drained, leaving them with, at most, the magical capacity of an ordinary sorcerer.”

Having spoken thus, Lily of the Valley raised her gaze to Lu Chen, a verdant light shimmering within her bright pupils.

“All magic requires magical energy to sustain itself, and a monster’s transformation magic is no exception.

If the girl by your side is truly a counterfeit, the moment she steps into the garden, she will only retain enough power to maintain her transformation magic.

This holds true even if she is the contemporary incarnation of ‘Envy’ itself.”

After hearing Lily of the Valley’s explanation, Lu Chen furrowed his brow.

“Forgive me, but I still don’t understand.

If she’ll retain enough power for transformation, what’s the point of taking her to that garden?”

Lily of the Valley’s lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile as she spoke softly.

“Of course it’s useful.

That way, when I shoot her, she will either abandon her transformation, revealing her true form, or she will be pierced through the body and lose the ability to resist.

Whichever choice she makes, her true identity will be undeniably exposed.”

The girl’s smile was natural and joyful, like a child who had received a new toy, sending a chill of dread through Lu Chen’s heart.

He had been mistaken.

The person before him was neither an ally nor capable of helping Xia Shi.

Maintaining her cheerful smile, Lily of the Valley addressed Lu Chen.

“That’s how it is.

Please lend me your assistance.

I will give you the garden’s location; please call Xia Shi to meet me there.”

Lu Chen hesitated for a moment, then gently shook his head.

“I apologize, but I find this plan rather risky.

I will contact Miss Morning Star and make a decision after confirming with her.”

Lily of the Valley did not respond immediately.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes fixed squarely on Lu Chen, all traces of a smile vanished from her face.

After several seconds of chilling silence, the girl spoke again.

“I understand.

Come with me.”

A sudden premonition of ill omen struck Lu Chen.

He hastily began to refuse.

“Come with you? Wait—”

Lily of the Valley did not grant him time to refuse.

Before his words could fully escape, emerald-green magic surged forward, engulfing Lu Chen’s vision.